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Ohio Farm Bureau recently provided testimony to the Ohio Senate Finance Committee in support of Senate Bill 120, emphasizing the critical need for a diverse agricultural workforce and growth in agriculture education in urban areas of the state.

“This bill will help fill the gap between learning about agriculture and making it a potential career choice. By creating spaces and experiences for sustained, hands-on learning, Ohio can help continue to foster the next generation of critical employees and leaders in the food and ag industry,” said Michael Bailey, Ohio Farm Bureau senior vice president of operations and partnerships.

Introduced by Sen. Paula Hicks-Hudson, SB 120 would establish the Urban Farmer Youth Initiative Pilot Program to create in-depth agricultural career awareness for Ohio’s youth. The legislation aims to provide financial support to agricultural education initiatives for urban students ages 6 to 18 and clarify code exemptions for agricultural structures.

The bill addresses a significant workforce challenge as Ohio agriculture faces a looming talent gap. Estimates show that over the next decade, the state will need 470,000 new employees across food and agribusiness, including 90,000 directly involved in farming. 

Agricultural education and workforce development are long-standing Ohio Farm Bureau priorities. The organization maintains a continuum of engagement through its agricultural literacy, ExploreAg, and Young Ag Professionals programs. SB 120 builds on this momentum, bringing awareness to careers, strengthening the talent pipeline and directly addressing the distance between classroom learning and long-term career placement. 

“Ohio agriculture depends on a strong pipeline of young people who understand that food production is an evolving industry and a meaningful and viable career path. While Ohio Farm Bureau helps demonstrate the many options of agricultural careers…we know students need continuous opportunities to learn about agriculture and the career fields available to them,” Bailey stated. 

Watch Bailey’s testimony: